PNP probes killing of councilor in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started investigating the death of a councilor in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte who was gunned down by an unidentified man on Monday morning after a flag raising ceremony.

The police identified the victim as Apolonio Garcia Medrano, a 69-year-old retired PNP intelligence officer. He was a member of Sangguniang Bayan (SB) and was seeking reelection in Eleksyon 2022.

Initial police reports say that he was about to board his vehicle after attending a flag ceremony in Sarrat municipal hall when he was shot dead at around 8:10 a.m.

According to a statement issued by PNP on Tuesday, Medrano sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of his body. He was rushed to a local hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The witness’ statements obtained by investigators said the gunman was wearing a jacket and fled the scene using a motorcycle, it added.

PNP also said Medrano survived an ambush attempt on April 26, 2017.

“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Councilor Medrano. Our investigators are exerting all effort to uncover this case. Let’s see where the evidence will lead us in this investigation. So far, it’s early to say that this is election-related,” PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said.

The child of the victim said that the family does not recall Medrano having any quarrel or receiving death threats prior to the incident.—Giselle Ombay/LDF, GMA News